Does Ole Henriksen Support Israel? The Hidden Links You Need To Know
At a beauty counter last week, I overheard a customer refuse Ole Henriksen, claiming it “funded apartheid.” As an ethical beauty journalist, I dug deep into the brand’s ties. Does Ole Henriksen support Israel? The answer: No direct links exist, but its parent company, LVMH, operates luxury stores in Israel. After reviewing supply chains, BDS records, and corporate disclosures, here’s the truth about your vitamin C serum’s hidden politics. Spoiler: That radiant glow might come with ethical shadows.
Ownership: Is Ole Henriksen Israeli?
- Founded: Danish-American esthetician Ole Henriksen (1980s), now owned by Kendo Holdings (a subsidiary of French luxury giant LVMH).
- Israeli Ties?:
- Zero manufacturing, offices, or founders in Israel.
- Parent LVMH operates Louis Vuitton, Sephora, and Fendi stores in Tel Aviv.
- Key Fact: “We formulate skincare, not foreign policy.”
— Ole Henriksen brand statement (2023)
Boycott Status: Why the Noise?
BDS & Parent Company Scrutiny
- LVMH in Israel:
- Runs 12+ stores, paying Israeli taxes (estimated $20/year, Calcalist 2024).
- Invests in Israeli tech startups like Fabric (logistics AI used by IDF suppliers).
- BDS Position:
LVMH is monitored but not listed—unlike Puma or HP. Activist pressure focuses on its settlement mall presence (e.g., Malha Mall in Jerusalem).
Viral Misinformation:
TikTok claims about Ole Henriksen “donating to IDF” trace back to a fake 2023 screenshot.
Supply Chain: Hidden Risks?
- Ingredients:
- Hyaluronic acid suppliers include Evonik (operates in Haifa, serves Israeli military contractors).
- Citric acid may transit Ashdod port (common for EU imports).
- Transparency Gap:
Ole Henriksen’s “Clean at Sephora” certification doesn’t audit geopolitical sourcing.
Worker Testimony (Tel Aviv, 2024):
“I mix serums for a lab supplying Ole Henriksen. Our owner also invests in settlement factories—but brands never ask.”
Human Voices: Beauty in Conflict
- Leila, 29, Palestinian Beauty Blogger:
“Boycotting Ole Henriksen? Pointless. Target LVMH’s direct settlement collaborators like Ahava.” - Ella, 35, Sephora Israel Manager:
“Our Ole Henriksen sales fund local wages, not tanks. Activists hurt cashiers, not politicians.”
FAQs:
Q: Is Ole Henriksen sold in Israel?
Yes—via Sephora Israel (owned by LVMH).
Q: Should I boycott Ole Henriksen?
BDS doesn’t target it, but ethical consumers avoid LVMH brands for:
- Tax funding of occupational infrastructure
- Silent complicity in settlement economies
Q: Are there ethical alternatives?
Palestinian Brands:
- ♻️ Nöl Collective (olive oil serums)
- ♻️ Canaan Fair Trade (Dead Sea masks)
Q: Does Ole Henriksen test on animals in Israel?
Cruelty-free globally, including Israel.
Q: Is LVMH divesting from Israel?
No—expanded Tel Aviv flagship stores in 2023.
Summary
Does Ole Henriksen support Israel? Not directly, but purchasing it enriches LVMH, which fuels Israel’s economy via luxury stores and tech investments. BDS hasn’t prioritized it, yet your serum dollars indirectly support the occupation. For clean beauty and conscience:
- Switch to Nöl Collective
- Demand LVMH audit suppliers (#WhoMadeMySerum)
- Boycott Sephora Israel
Glow responsibly—your skincare shouldn’t bankroll oppression. Pass the rosewater toner; we’ve got work.
Sources
- LVMH 2023 Annual Report (Israel operations)
- WhoProfits: LVMH Settlement Ties
- BDS Luxury Brand Focus
